NBA Player News

Garza will start Thursday's preseason game against Cleveland, Bobby Krivitsky of Forbes.com reports.

The Celtics are expected to rest several rotation players Thursday, opening the door for Garza to step into the first unit. The 27-year-old center faces an uphill battle for steady minutes during the regular season.

McCollum (nose) is set to play in Thursday's preseason game against the Spurs, Lauren L. Williams of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

The veteran guard is slated for some reps Thursday after missing the preseason opener. McCollum should see action in the first half before Atlanta flips things over to their younger players in the second half.

Walsh will start in Thursday's preseason game against Cleveland, Bobby Krivitsky of Forbes.com reports.

Walsh will get the start to begin the preseason. The 22-year-old is coming off his best season in 2025-26, and in 25 starts, he averaged 7.5 points, 4.8 rebounds, 1.1 assists and 1.1 steals over 22.7 minutes per game.

Diop (undisclosed) won't play in Thursday's preseason game against Boston, Serena Winters of FanDuel Sports Network Ohio reports.

Diop will sit out the Cavaliers' preseason opener for undisclosed reasons. His next chance to play in the preseason will come Sunday against the Magic.

Queta (rest) isn't in line to play Thursday against Cleveland, Zack Cox of the Boston Herald reports.

Boston seems to be holding out their expected starters for this exhibition. Luka Garza is getting a chance to start at center for the Celtics on Thursday.

Tomlin (back) won't play in Thursday's preseason game against Boston, Serena Winters of FanDuel Sports Network Ohio reports.

Tomlin is dealing with lower-back soreness and will be held out of Cleveland's preseason opener. His next chance to suit up in the preseason will come Sunday against Orlando.

Gonzalez will start in Thursday's preseason game versus the Cavaliers, Bobby Krivitsky of Forbes.com reports.

Gonzalez is auditioning for a prominent role in the rotation, so he will need to be at his best during the preseason. The 20-year-old started three times during the 2025-26 campaign, averaging 6.0 points, 7.0 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 1.0 blocks and 1.7 steals over 22.0 minutes per contest in those appearances.

Tyson will start Thursday's preseason game against the Celtics, Serena Winters of FanDuel Sports Network Ohio reports.

With James Harden (ankle) unavailable, Tyson will enter the starting five in the Cavaliers' preseason opener. He'll be joined in the first unit by Donovan Mitchell, Peyton Watson, Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen.

Watson (hamstring) will start Thursday's preseason game against the Celtics, Serena Winters of FanDuel Sports Network Ohio reports.

Watson is likely to begin the regular season in a starting role, and he will get the starting nod in Cleveland's preseason opener. He'll be joined in the first unit by Donovan Mitchell, Jaylon Tyson, Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen.

George (rest) isn't in line to play Thursday versus Cleveland, Zack Cox of the Boston Herald reports.

The Celtics are holding several key contributors out of the starting lineup Thursday. Jordan Walsh is drawing the start at power forward.